September 15, 2020
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) was recently awarded a patent for its Surface Mount Technology (SMT) solar panels. It’s a significant milestone in the program because it allows SNC to exclude others from making, using, selling, offering for sale or importing this game-changing technology.
Director of Programs for SNC’s Space Technologies group, Brian A., contributed to the development of the technology. He says there are a number of reasons this technology is so unique and deserved a patent. “The innovative design allows for automated pick-and-place manufacturing for assembly, which eliminates touch labor. This helps improve power density, reduces lead time and cuts costs. In fact, SNC’s SMT solar panels provides 35% more power to small satellite missions compared to what else is currently on the market.”
It took Brian and his team about five years to develop the technology and another nearly four years to get the patent. SNC’s Intellectual Property Manager, Adriane M., helped the team obtain their patent. She says there’s nothing truer than what two SNC inventors previously stated, “it will take longer than you think and it’s important to keep an open mind.”
While the process may take a few years, its protection is worth the wait; in this instance SNC’s SMT solar panels are protected for the next two decades.
About SNC
SNC is a trusted global leader in aerospace and national security. Our innovative solutions enable connected protection through command, control and communications systems, as well as ISR, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum management, and other high capabilities for national security systems across all domains – sea, land, air, space and cyber. As a longstanding leader in defense technology, SNC is at the optimum intersection of commercial, defense and non-traditional contractors. We are one of the only privately owned mid-tier A&D contractors and we pride ourselves on our ability to invest early and often to ensure mission success on or ahead of schedule. It's part of our mission to always stay one step ahead; working on solutions today to solve the problems of tomorrow. Founded in 1963, SNC is owned by Chairwoman Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen.